U.S. patent application number 12/338914 was filed with the patent office on 2009-07-02 for distributed tv access system.
Invention is credited to Paolo Siccardo, Luc Vantalon.
Application Number | 20090172758 12/338914 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40800369 |
Filed Date | 2009-07-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090172758 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Vantalon; Luc ; et
al. |
July 2, 2009 |
DISTRIBUTED TV ACCESS SYSTEM
Abstract
Distributed navigation of broadcast signals is provided through
an on-line application connected through a second network
connection. A customer receives the broadcast signals through a
first network connection, and navigates the broadcast TV content
through an on-line application by a browser connected through a
second network connection. The present on-line application provides
flexible and re-configurable content services, which will need to
be customized once for each service provider, but will render
consistently on a variety of PC and non-PC client devices. Further,
the present on-line application can provide targeted advertising by
maintaining an advertising profile for each viewer, determined in
part by recording data about the navigating of the content of the
broadcast signals, and by recording a plurality of selections of
the viewer transmitted to the on-line application. The on-line
capability further provides ease for roaming access.
Inventors: |
Vantalon; Luc; (Los Altos,
CA) ; Siccardo; Paolo; (Los Altos, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BLAKELY SOKOLOFF TAYLOR & ZAFMAN LLP
1279 OAKMEAD PARKWAY
SUNNYVALE
CA
94085-4040
US
|
Family ID: |
40800369 |
Appl. No.: |
12/338914 |
Filed: |
December 18, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61018134 |
Dec 31, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
725/110 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 21/25891 20130101;
H04N 21/812 20130101; H04N 7/17318 20130101; H04N 21/44222
20130101; H04N 21/2668 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
725/110 |
International
Class: |
H04N 7/173 20060101
H04N007/173 |
Claims
1. A method for roaming broadcast content, wherein a system
comprises a roaming client system and a first client system, the
roaming client system having a browser connected to an on-line
application for client registration and for content navigation, the
roaming client system can be coupled to the first client to receive
the broadcast signals through a first network connection, and the
browser in the roaming client system is coupled to the on-line
application through a second network connection, the method
performed at the roaming client system comprising: registering a
browser of a roaming client system, through the second network
connection, to the on-line application and enabling the exchange of
DRM credentials for the content; navigating, through the browser of
the roaming client system, the available broadcast content of the
broadcast signals using the on-line application; and rendering a
desired content, selected through the navigating, of the broadcast
signals to a desired format onto the roaming client system by
obtaining the required DRM credentials.
2. A method as in claim 1 wherein the desired content is sent
through the first network connection from the first client system
to the roaming client system.
3. A method as in claim 1 wherein the desired content is received
in the roaming client system from a remote broadcast connection and
can be played back upon activation by the on-line application.
4. A method as in claim 1 wherein the desired content is present on
a storage device in the roaming client system and can be played
back upon activation by the on-line application.
5. A method as in claim 1 wherein a copy of the desired content is
sent from the on-line application to the roaming client system.
6. A method at a server for roaming client broadcast signals,
wherein a system comprises a roaming client system and a first
client systems, the roaming client system having a browser
connected to an on-line application for registration of the roaming
client system and for navigation of the content of the broadcast
signals, the first client system being coupled to receive the
broadcast signals through a first network connection, the browser
coupled to the on-line application through a second network
connection, the method comprising: receiving, at the on-line
application at the server, requests from the browser and
registering the browser to the on-line application and enabling the
exchange of DRM credentials for the content; responding, by the
on-line application, to requests from the browser to navigate
content of broadcast TV signals provided to the roaming client
system; transmitting data from the on-line application at the
server to the browser, the data including a representation of an
instruction to render a desired content, selected through the
navigating, of the broadcast signals to a desired format onto the
roaming client system.
7. A method as in claim 6 wherein the desired content is received
in the roaming client system from a remote broadcast connection and
can be played back upon activation by the on-line application.
8. A method as in claim 6 wherein the desired content is sent
through the first network connection from the first client system
to the roaming client system.
9. A method as in claim 6 wherein the desired content is stored on
the roaming client system and can be played back upon activation by
the on-line application.
10. A method as in claim 6 wherein a copy of the desired content is
sent by the on-line application to the roaming client system.
11. A machine readable medium containing executable computer
program instructions which when executed cause a machine to perform
a method for roaming broadcast signals, wherein a system comprises
a roaming client system and a first client system, the roaming
client system having a browser for connecting to an on-line
application for registration of the roaming client system and for
navigation of the content of the broadcast signals, the first
client system being coupled to receive the broadcast signals
through a first network connection, the browser coupled to the
on-line application through a second network connection, the method
performed at the roaming client system comprising: registering a
browser of a roaming client system, through the second network
connection, to the on-line application and enabling the exchange of
DRM credentials for the content; navigating, through the browser of
the roaming client system, the content of the broadcast signals
using the on-line application; and rendering a desired content,
selected through the navigating, of the broadcast signals to a
desired format onto the roaming client system by obtaining the
required DRM credentials.
12. A medium as in claim 11 wherein the desired content is received
in the roaming client system from a remote broadcast connection and
can be played back upon activation by the on-line application.
13. A medium as in claim 11 wherein the desired content is sent
through the first network connection from the first client system
to the roaming client system.
14. A medium as in claim 11 wherein the desired content is stored
on the roaming client system and can be played back upon activation
by the on-line application.
15. A medium as in claim 11 wherein a copy of the desired content
is sent by the on-line application to the roaming client
system.
16. A machine readable medium containing executable computer
program instructions which when executed, cause a machine to
perform a method for navigating broadcast signals, wherein a system
comprises a roaming client system and a first client, the roaming
client system having a browser connected to an on-line application
for registration of the roaming client system and for navigation of
the content of the broadcast signals, the first client system being
coupled to receive the broadcast signals through a first network
connection, the browser coupled to the on-line application through
a second network connection, the method comprising: receiving, at
the on-line application at the server, requests from the browser
and registering the browser to the on-line application and enabling
the exchange of DRM credentials for content; responding, by the
on-line application, to requests from the browser to navigate
content of broadcast TV signals provided to the roaming client
system; transmitting data from the on-line application at the
server to the browser, the data including a representation of an
instruction to render a desired content, selected through the
navigating, of the broadcast signals to a desired format onto the
roaming client system.
17. A medium as in claim 16 wherein the desired content is received
in the roaming client system from a remote broadcast connection and
can be played back upon activation by the on-line application.
18. A medium as in claim 16 wherein the desired content is sent
through the first network connection from the first client system
to the roaming client system.
19. A medium as in claim 16 wherein the desired content is stored
on the roaming client system and can be played back upon activation
by the on-line application.
20. A medium as in claim 16 wherein a copy of the desired content
is sent by the on-line application to the roaming client system.
Description
[0001] This application is related to and claims the benefit of the
filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/018,134,
filed on Dec. 31, 2007.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to programming or other
operations or services associated with broadcast signals, and in
particular, at least certain embodiments relate to systems and
methods for navigating, advertisement management and roaming
through an on-line application.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Advancements in multimedia technology have provided
television viewers a tremendous variety and range of options,
ranging from broadcast over the air, sent through satellite,
delivered via cable, delivered through a wireless communication
system or over the Internet. For example, currently, there are over
hundreds of broadcast channels offered through a cable or satellite
service, together with multiple on-line Internet services.
[0004] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a conventional
broadcasting system such as a cable or satellite network. The cable
network includes a set top box (STB) 12 located next to a
customer's display 16 or television. The STB 12 is typically a
gateway device between a customer's television 16 and the broadcast
communication network 10. The STB 12 receives broadcast TV content
10 from the network via cable or satellite 11, tunes to a desired
channel and renders the tuned content for display on a display 16
such as a television. A local application 15 in communication with
a tuner 13 and a renderer 14 receives commands from a user, for
example via a remote control, to control the tuning and access the
local programming guide(s), for example, viewing the TV guides. The
tuner 13 can be a digital tuner or an analog tuner, configured to
tune to a digital or analog channel of the broadcasting network. A
remote control (not shown) can be used for operation of the STB 12
and the display 16. Additional components include a memory or
storage system. The configuration shown is for purpose of
illustration and is not intended to be a detailed schematic of a
STB or a communication network.
[0005] Traditionally, the schedule of these programs is provided
with printed TV guides or on-screen listings, which is transmitted
through a dedicated cable television channel. This channel provides
a scrolling programming guide where the schedules for different
channels are sequentially presented. The viewer simply tunes to the
dedicated schedule channel and views the program listings. But this
programming guide is limited, time consuming and
non-interactive.
[0006] Advanced programming guides offer interactive control where
the viewer can use a remote control device to scroll the schedules
through different channels and time. Furthermore, additional
information regarding a selected program can also be presented,
such as cast of characters or plot-line. For example, the local
application in the STB may be coupled to the network to gather
programming information, such as schedule information or detail
information relating to specific programs. The information is
typically downloaded periodically for a predetermined range of
time, for example, the upcoming two weeks. The local application
may include a program guide application to navigate the schedule
information. However, with hundreds of different channels with many
of the same events may be playing on multiple channels at different
times, it is still time consuming and frustrating to surf through
these programming guides.
[0007] FIG. 2 presents a schematic block diagram of a cable or
satellite network where the STB is divided into a bridge component
27 and a PC or STB component 22, linked together by a secured
interface 28. The division typically gives the tuner 23 to the
bridge component 27 and the renderer 24 to the PC or STB component
22. A bridge application 28 within the bridge component 27 controls
the tuner 23, and a local application 25 within the PC or STB
component 22 controls the renderer 24 and communicates with the
bridge application 28. To protect the broadcast TV content 20, data
transmission from the bridge component 27 to the PC or STB
component 22 is secured through a secured interface 28, such as a
Digital Right management (DRM) or a conditional access (CA) system.
The conditional access system restricts channels accessible by the
device to authorized channels only. The TV content can be encrypted
with an access code to limit access in some manner defined by the
content provider or the network, for example, the content may be
playable for 3 times following payment. Even though a PC can be
used in place of STB, the program guide application which resides
in the PC is still restricted to the local application, and does
not take advantage of the numerous navigation options available in
a modern PC.
[0008] Advances in telecommunications and computing technology are
leading to interactive television, providing video gateways and
transport to residential and business subscribers. Interactive TV
service is capable of supporting traditional television programming
and other video services such as pay-per-view (PPV) and
video-on-demand (VOD). Furthermore, with the increase in Internet
connection speeds, traditional television content, in additional to
Internet-only television content, can be delivered over the
Internet.
[0009] The basic difference between broadcast TV and Internet-based
TV is in the most typical case the location of content selection,
or tuner. In a broadcast TV or satellite network, the network sends
all broadcast content (e.g. a plurality of broadcast channels)
downstream to every customer, and the customer selects or tunes to
the desired content at the STB. In most implementations of an
Internet-based TV service, the customer sends the selection
upstream to the network, and the network selects and then sends
only the selected content to the customer's home.
[0010] IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) is a system where a
digital television service is delivered by using Internet Protocol
over a network, such as a broadband connection. For residential
users, IPTV is often provided in conjunction with Video on Demand
and may be bundled with other Internet services.
[0011] FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic block diagram of an IPTV
network communication. The TV content 30 is controlled by an IPTV
server 38, including live TV or stored video such as VOD, and can
be sent through IP Multicast in which information can be sent to
multiple computers at the same time, or through IP Unicast in which
information is sent to a specific computer through a point-to-point
unicast connection between the PC or STB and the delivering server.
An application 37 selects the content to be sent, and delivers the
selected content 33 through the Internet 31 to the customer. After
receiving the information through the Internet 31, a PC or STB 32
renders the content through a renderer 34 to a display 36. Since
the information is pre-selected, there is no tuner necessary. A
local application 35 can be included for interactive communication
with the network, providing channel surfing and transmitting
requests of program selection to the server. An Internet-based
platform can provide a more interactive and personalized TV viewing
experience. The viewer can search the Internet for any desired
information, such as content by title or actor's name, thus
allowing them to surf TV programs more effectively. However,
currently, real-time data transmission with the Internet Protocol
has restricted the growth of the Internet infrastructure in
comparison to broadcast TV of cable or satellite TV systems that
scale much better.
[0012] Another form of TV content delivered through Internet is
Internet television, where the content is designed specifically for
an Internet audience. Internet Television is available from the
Internet, and can be accessible by a PC without the need for a STB.
FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic block diagram of an Internet TV
network communication where a viewer accesses a browser 49 from a
PC 42, communicates through the Internet 41 with an application 47
of a server 48 for a selection of TV content 43. The selected TV
content 43 is then sent through the Internet 41 to the PC 42,
rendered to a desired format by a renderer 44, and displayed on a
display 46.
[0013] There are different ways to deliver TV content over an IP
network. The distinction between IPTV and Internet TV consists of
the access method. In the case of IPTV a local network
provider--specific application performs content navigation, while
in the case of Internet TV a standards-based browser is used to
navigate the content. In both cases the service delivers video
content to a viewer's TV through an Internet connection.
[0014] The availability of these different delivery mediums has
resulted in broad programming choices available to the consumer,
including broadcast programs, movies, Pay-Per-View (PPV), and video
on demand (VOD).
[0015] Advances in Internet communication has also provided
Internet-based communication linked with broadcast TV content. For
example, a TiVo recording service allows users to capture
television programming to an internal hard disk storage. The TiVo
application resides locally in the STB with the data updated
periodically from a server, for example, through a telephone line
or through the Internet. TiVo also provides an electronic
television programming schedule, and permits the setting of
recording options based on that schedule information. TiVo devices
can also be connected to the Internet for downloading information
and even video programs and movies from the Internet.
[0016] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary TiVo network connection. A
STB 52 with a TiVo application 55 can allow the viewer to select
programs delivered from broadcast TV content 50, sent through cable
or satellite network 51. The selection controls the tuner to tune
the broadcast signals to the desired channel. TiVo application 55
allows the viewer to select a program to watch or to record now or
later. The TiVo application is similar to a local application, with
a predetermined program and updated data downloaded from the
network.
[0017] In addition, the TiVo application also provides
communication capability to a remote computer 59, operating a
browser linked with the Internet 53 to access a program on a server
58, for example, TiVo.com or other supplemental applications. This
capability allows the remote server to surf the Internet, and then
select a desired program to be recorded. The application from the
server then sends instruction through the Internet to the TiVo
application, setting the recording parameters so that the STB can
record the desired program.
[0018] Another TV system which uses the Internet is a Slingbox. A
Slingbox is a TV streaming device that sends video from their
cable, satellite, or personal video recorder (DVR) to an Internet
network to be viewed on a remote display. FIG. 6 illustrates a
Slingbox connection where a Slingbox client 64 connects a TV source
68 to an existing Internet connection 63. A Slingbox server 65
connects a remote display 69 to the Internet 63, and the Slingboxes
64, 65 direct the video from the broadcast TV content 60 to the
Internet 63 and to the remote display 69. The DVR and STB can also
be controlled by a remote control at the remote location.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0019] Embodiments of the present invention disclose an on-line
application for navigating broadcast signals provided by a network
such as cable or satellite. A customer receives the broadcast
signals through a first network connection, and navigates the
broadcast TV content through an on-line application connected
through a second network connection. The first network connection
and the second network connection may be two connections on the
same network (e.g. two connections through two different software
ports) or two connections on two different networks (e.g., the
Internet and a private TV network such as a cable of satellite TV
network).
[0020] In exemplary embodiments, a client receives the broadcast
signals, through a first network connection, and is also connected
to an on-line application executed on a server through a second
network. The client then can navigate the content of the broadcast
signals using the on-line application through a browser such as an
Internet or worldwide web browser. This browser may be full
featured or less than full featured browser.
[0021] In exemplary embodiments, the on-line application receives
requests from the browser and responds to these requests. In
response to the requests from the browser, the on-line application
can transmit data from the server to the browser, comprising
representations of an instruction to control a tuner such as a
tuner in a system executing or coupled to the browser.
[0022] The present on-line application provides flexible and
re-configurable content services, which will need to be customized
once for each service provider, but will render consistently on a
variety of PC and non-PC client devices, for example, through a
browser and some operating system-specific plug-in. Using a
platform-specific content browser and protected player, the user
can experience a fully customized, seamless set of content
services, without a single line of service-specific code on a PC
(windows operating system) or MAC.
[0023] In exemplary embodiments, the present on-line application
provides an on-line advertisement management, which can maintain an
advertising profile for each viewer of a plurality of different
viewers, which is determined in part by recording data about the
viewer's navigating of the content of the broadcast signals, and by
recording a plurality of selections (e.g., selection of content to
use or view) of the viewer transmitted to the on-line
application.
[0024] The on-line application or an application associated with
the on-line application first determines an advertisement profile
for the user of the browser, and then causes the substituting of
the incoming advertising from the broadcast signals with
advertisements selected based on the advertising profile.
Alternatively, the client receives the broadcast signals from the
network, and identifies the incoming advertising. Based on the
advertising profile, the profile advertisements are selected to
substitute the incoming advertising.
[0025] The present advertising profile can accurately and
automatically determine the personal preferences of a viewer, and
thus advertisements based on the profile advertising can be
presented to the viewer with high degree of match for the personal
TV viewing environment.
[0026] In exemplary embodiments, the present on-line application
provides roaming capability for navigating broadcast signals. With
the on-line application executing and residing remotely, such as in
a server connected to the Internet, and the gateway is a generic
browser, a remote roaming computer or other consumer electronic
system can be linked to the Internet and navigate the on-line
application using a browser of the remote computer. Seamless
operations can be achieved with pertinent data parameters stored in
the server. The remote roaming computer can be linked by a local
network, such as in a location across the room of the television
display. The remote computer can be linked across town, or across
country, and still be connected and controlling the navigating
broadcast signals. The connection can be wired or wireless
connection. In one embodiment, a method to receive content in a
roaming fashion is provided by a system which includes a roaming
client system (such as a personal computer or other consumer
electronic systems which may or may not be portable but typically
is portable) and a first client system (such as a personal computer
or set-top box or other consumer electronic systems). The roaming
client system may include a software component such as a browser
(e.g. an Internet browser such as Microsoft's Internet Explorer)
which can be used to connect to an on-line application for content
navigation and for registration of the roaming client system. In
one embodiment, the method includes registering the browser of the
roaming client system, through a second network connection, to the
on-line application and enabling the exchange of DRM credentials
for use/viewing of content and receiving commands for navigating,
through the browser, of available broadcast content of broadcast
signals. The navigating is typically performed by receiving
commands, from a user operating the browser, and those commands are
sent to the on-line application which interprets those commands and
provides a response such as an instruction to cause a tuner to tune
to the selected content. The user may move or flip through several
screens of listing or directories or other presentations of the
available broadcast content, and this may be one form of navigating
through the content in order to select or use the content. The
browser may receive a selection or command from the user and this
selection or command may specify a URL, associated with the
selected content, which is transmitted to the on-line application.
The on-line application receives the transmitted URL and determines
an associated command or data message, which may specify or be
associated with the selected content. The command or data message
determined by the on-line application can be used to provide or
create any required DRM credentials to allow the roaming client
system to use or view the desired content.
[0027] The desired content may be provided to the roaming client
system in any one of several different ways. The desired content
may be sent through a first network connection (which provide the
desired content to one or both of the roaming client system and the
first client system); in this case, the first client system may
receive the desired content through the first network connection
and also provide the desired content to the roaming client system.
In another case, the desired content may be received by the roaming
client system from a remote broadcast connection (e.g. a broadcast
tuner on the roaming client system which receives over the air
broadcasts), and the desired content can be played back at the
roaming client system upon activation through an interaction
between the browser at the roaming client system and the on-line
application. In yet another case, the desired content may be stored
on a storage device in or coupled to the roaming client system and
can be played back upon activation through an interaction between
the browser at the roaming client system and the on-line
application. In yet another case, a copy of the desired content may
be sent from the on-line application to the roaming client
system.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a
conventional broadcasting network.
[0029] FIG. 2 presents another schematic block diagram of a cable
or satellite network.
[0030] FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic block diagram of an IPTV
network communication.
[0031] FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic block diagram of an Internet
TV network communication.
[0032] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary TiVo network connection.
[0033] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary Slingbox connection.
[0034] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary computer system which can be
used in at least certain embodiments of the present invention.
[0035] FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a sample
computing environment.
[0036] FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary system according to one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0037] FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary flowchart for embodiments
of the present invention.
[0038] FIG. 11 illustrates another exemplary flowchart for
embodiments of the present invention.
[0039] FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of certain
embodiments of the present invention where the PC or STB is split
to include a Bridge.
[0040] FIG. 13 illustrates exemplary interactions between a client
system and an on-line application.
[0041] FIG. 14 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a system
for playing back protected content using an on-line
application.
[0042] FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an on-line
server according to certain embodiments of the present
invention.
[0043] FIGS. 16-18 illustrate various navigation controls according
to embodiments of the present invention.
[0044] FIG. 19 illustrates the various processes of advertisements
captured to a DVR for certain embodiments of targeted
advertising.
[0045] FIG. 20 illustrates an exemplary advertising substitution
with the replacement advertisements retrieved from a DVR.
[0046] FIG. 21 illustrates an advertising substitution with the
replacement advertisements pushed through the Internet by the
on-line application.
[0047] FIG. 22 illustrates an exemplary flowchart for advertising
management according to certain embodiments of the present
invention.
[0048] FIG. 23 illustrates another exemplary flowchart for
advertising management according to certain embodiments of the
present invention.
[0049] FIG. 24 illustrates another embodiment of advertising
management according to certain embodiments of the present
invention.
[0050] FIG. 25 illustrates another embodiment of advertising
management according to certain embodiments of the present
invention.
[0051] FIG. 26 illustrates an exemplary on-line server for targeted
advertising according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0052] FIG. 27 illustrates a display for targeted advertising
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0053] FIG. 28 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a roaming
configuration according to at least certain embodiments of the
present invention.
[0054] FIG. 29 illustrates various data paths for at least certain
embodiments of the roaming configuration.
[0055] FIG. 30 illustrates an exemplary flowchart for a roaming
configuration according to at least certain embodiments of the
present invention.
[0056] FIG. 31 illustrates another exemplary flowchart for a
roaming configuration according to at least certain embodiments of
the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0057] The present invention relates to navigating broadcast
signals through an on-line application that seamlessly connects to
a local receiver in addition to optionally providing in at least
certain embodiments advertising management and roaming
capabilities.
[0058] The present invention may also be embodied in a machine or
computer readable format, e.g., an appropriately programmed
computer, a software program written in any of a variety of
programming languages. The software program would be written to
carry out various functional operations of the present invention.
Moreover, a machine or computer readable format of the present
invention may be embodied in a variety of program storage devices,
such as a diskette, a hard disk, a CD, a DVD, a nonvolatile
electronic memory, or the like. The software program may be run on
a variety of devices, e.g. a processor which is part of a consumer
electronic device, such as a computer system, a set-top box, an
entertainment system or PDA or cellular telephone.
[0059] With reference to FIG. 7, an exemplary environment 1000 for
implementing various aspects of the invention includes a computer
1001, comprising a processing unit 1031, a system memory 1032, and
a system bus 1030. The processing unit 1031 can be any of various
available processors, such as single microprocessor, or dual
microprocessors or other multiprocessor architectures. The system
bus 1030 can be any type of bus structures or architectures, such
as 12-bit bus, Industrial Standard Architecture (ISA),
Micro-Channel Architecture (MSA), Extended ISA (EISA), Intelligent
Drive Electronics (IDE), VESA Local Bus (VLB), Peripheral Component
Interconnect (PCI), Universal Serial Bus (USB), Advanced Graphics
Port (AGP), Personal Computer Memory Card International Association
bus (PCMCIA), or Small Computer Systems Interface (SCST).
[0060] The system memory 1032 can include volatile memory 333 and
nonvolatile memory 1034. Nonvolatile memory 1034 can include read
only memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), electrically
programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable ROM (EEPROM), or
flash memory. Volatile memory 1033, can include random access
memory (RAM), synchronous RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM),
synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM),
enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), Synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), or direct Rambus
RAM (DRRAM).
[0061] Computer 1001 also includes storage media 1036, such as
removable/nonremovable, volatile/nonvolatile disk storage, magnetic
disk drive, floppy disk drive, tape drive, Jaz drive, Zip drive,
LS-100 drive, flash memory card, memory stick, optical disk drive
such as a compact disk ROM device (CD-ROM), CD recordable drive
(CD-R Drive), CD rewritable drive (CD-RW Drive) or a digital
versatile disk drive (DVD drive). A removable or non-removable
interface 1035 can be used to facilitate connection.
[0062] The computer system 1001 further can include software to
operate in environment 1000, such as an operating system 1011,
system applications 1012, program modules 1013 and program data
1014, which are stored either in system memory 1032 or on disk
storage 1036. Various operating systems or combinations of
operating systems can be used.
[0063] Input devices 1022 can be used to enter commands or data,
and can include a pointing device such as a mouse, trackball,
stylus, touch pad, keyboard, microphone, joystick, game pad,
satellite dish, scanner, TV tuner card, sound card, digital camera,
digital video camera, web camera, and the like, connected through
interface ports 1038. Interface ports 1038 can include a serial
port, a parallel port, a game port, a universal serial bus (USB),
and a 1394 bus. The interface ports 1038 can also accommodate
output devices 1021. For example, a USB port maybe used to provide
input to computer 1001 and to output information from computer 1001
to an output device 1021. Output adapter 1039, such as video or
sound cards, is provided to connect to some output devices such as
monitors, speakers, and printers.
[0064] Computer 1001 can operate in a networked environment with
remote computers 1024. The remote computers 1024, shown with a
memory storage device 1025, can be a personal computer, a server, a
router, a network PC, a workstation, a microprocessor based
appliance, a peer device or other common network node and the like,
and typically includes many or all of the elements described
relative to computer 1001. Remote computers 1024 can be connected
to computer 1001 through a network interface 1023 and communication
connection 1037, with wire or wireless connections. Network
interface 1023 can be communication networks such as local-area
networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN) or wireless connection
networks. LAN technologies include Fiber Distributed Data Interface
(FDDI), Copper Distributed Data Interface (CDDI), Ethernet/IEEE
1202.3, Token Ring/IEEE 1202.5 and the like. WAN technologies
include, but are not limited to, point-to-point links, circuit
switching networks like Integrated Services Digital Networks (ISDN)
and variations thereon, packet switching networks, and Digital
Subscriber Lines (DSL).
[0065] FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram of a sample computing
environment 1040 with which the present invention can interact. The
system 1040 includes a plurality of client systems 1041. The system
1040 also includes a plurality of servers 1043. The servers 1043
can be used to employ one or more embodiments of the present
invention. The system 1040 includes a communication network 1045 to
facilitate communications between the clients 1041 and the servers
1043. Client data storage 1042, connected to client system 1041,
can store information locally. Similarly, the server 1043 can
include server data storages 1044.
[0066] While the invention is amenable to various modifications and
alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of
example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should
be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the
invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary,
the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and
alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention
as defined by the appended claims.
[0067] Embodiments of the present invention comprise an on-line
application which provides navigation of network broadcast signals.
The on-line application and the broadcast signals arc preferably
connected through two network connections where a customer receives
the broadcast signals through a first network connection (e.g. a
cable TV's network) and navigates the content of the broadcast
signals through an on-line application connected through a second
network connection (e.g. the public Internet).
[0068] Shown in FIG. 9 is an exemplary system according to the
present invention comprising a PC or STB 92 receiving broadcast
signals 90 through a first network 91, such as a cable or satellite
network for displaying on a display 96, or for recording on a DVR
(not shown). The received broadcast signals typically comprise
multiple frequencies of multiple signals in multiple channels. The
PC or STB 92 includes a tuner 92A for tuning the broadcast signals
to at least one frequency of signals to detect and receive a
desired content in one channel from the broadcast signals. The PC
or STB also includes a renderer 92B for rendering the desired
content to a desired format for viewing or storing, including
content and access protection. The PC or STB further includes a
browser 92C capable of controlling the tuner 92A and the renderer
92B, for example, through an interface 92D or a plug-in. The
browser 92C is connected, at least when needed, to an on-line
application 97 executing on a server 98 through a second network
connection 93, for example, the Internet, and communicating with an
on-line application 97 for navigating the broadcast signals 90. The
PC or STB 92 can further include 10 devices (not shown) such as a
keyboard, a mouse or any pointing devices.
[0069] In exemplary embodiments, a client receives the broadcast
signals, through a first network connection such as a cable or
satellite network, to a PC or STB and then directs them to a
display or a recording medium. The client is also connected to an
on-line application executing on a server through a second network
such as the Internet. The connection is preferably through a
browser (such as a web browser which may be full featured or less
than full featured) operating within the PC or STB. The client then
can navigate the content of the broadcast signals using the on-line
application through the browser. The navigating process can be
performed with standard IO devices, such as keyboard, mouse, or any
pointing device, and a display. In response to the navigation, the
tuner is tuned to a selected channel and a particular program is
rendered to a desired format either for viewing on a display or for
storing on a recording device.
[0070] FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary flowchart for certain
embodiments of the present invention. Operation 150 provides that
broadcast signals are received through a network connection, such
as a cable or a satellite network. The broadcast signals comprise
multiple frequencies of multiple signals in multiple channels sent
to the client system. In operation 151, a browser is connected
through a second network connection, such as the Internet, to an
on-line application executing on a server. Optionally, the browser
can also communicate with a local application, such as a recorder
controller, in operation 151A. In operation 152, the content of the
broadcast signals are navigated through the browser using the
on-line application. In response to the navigating commands,
information and instructions are received from the on-line
application, for example, results from a query request for a movie
search, or a tuning instruction to tune a tuner coupled to the
browser to a desired content (operation 152A). The tuning process
comprises tuning to at least one frequency of signal to detect and
receive the desired content in one channel from the broadcast
signals. After tuning the tuner to the desired channel, operation
153 provides that the desired content of the broadcast signals,
selected through the navigating, is rendered to a desired format
with the desired content secured through a digital rights
management system (operation 154). The desired format can be
recorded to a DVR or displayed in a display.
[0071] In exemplary embodiments, the on-line application receives
requests from the browser and responds to these requests. These
requests can be for browsing or for selecting the content of the
broadcast signals. For example, browsing the content of the
broadcast signals includes looking for the showing time of a
particular movie, or looking for movies performed by a particular
actor. Selections made by a user of the browser may often cause a
URL, or a portion of a URL, associated with the selection to be
sent to the on-line application which can in turn respond with data
specifying instructions for tuning the tuner at the client system.
Selecting the content of the broadcast signals can include
selecting a movie for recording, or a channel to view. In response
to the requests from the browser, the on-line application can
transmit data from the server to the browser. The transmitted data
can comprise programming guides, programming schedule, detailed
information regarding specific programs, or a search result in
response to an inquiry. The transmitted data can also comprise a
representation of an instruction to tune the tuner at the client
system to at least one channel of the content of the broadcast
signals. The instruction can also direct the renderer to render the
selected content to a desired format for viewing or for
recording.
[0072] FIG. 11 illustrates another exemplary flowchart for
embodiments of the present invention. In operation 160, the on-line
application at a server receives requests from a browser at a
client system. The on-line application is configured to accept
requests that contain parameters encoded according to a number of
methods including embedding the parameters in the on-line server
URL (operation 160A). The server may be coupled to a source of
broadcast signals, may provide data to the source about the user
selection made through the browser (operation 160B). In operation
161, the on-line application responds to the requests from the
browser to navigate the content of the broadcast signals. The
broadcast signals are provided to the client system through a first
network connection such as a cable or satellite network. The
browser is connected to the on-line application through a second
network connection such as the Internet. In operation 162, data is
transmitted from the on-line application at the server to the
browser. The data includes in a least certain embodiments a
representation of an instruction to tune a tuner at the client
system to at least one channel of the content of the broadcast TV
signals. The instruction can specify a channel to tune to, which in
turn specifies at least one frequency of signals to detect and
receive the at least one channel from the broadcast TV signals
(operation 163).
[0073] FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of the
present invention where the PC or STB 102 includes a Bridge 105.
The tuner 105B in this embodiment resides in the Bridge portion 105
and the renderer 102C is in the PC or STB portion 102. A bridge
application 105A controls the tuner 105B for tuning the broadcast
signals 100. The bridge application 105A communicates and can be
controlled by the browser 102A from the PC or STB 102, which can
optionally include local application 102B, and renderer 102C for
rendering the content to a display 106 or a recorder (not shown).
The browser 02A communicates with an on-line application executing
on server 108 through Internet connection 103. Security measures
include protecting Interface 107 to ensure that the signals are not
transmitted in naked form, which can easily be compromised. Access
control can reside in bridge application 105A, requiring using
content protection and protocol to re-encrypt the signals passing
from the tuner 105B to the renderer 102C. The renderer 102C can
comprise access code for decoding the encrypted signals for
viewing. Portions of the access control can reside in the on-line
application, which controls the browser 102A and bridge application
105A.
[0074] FIG. 13 illustrates exemplary interactions between a client
system (display 126, STB 122, and bridge 125 together with a
secured interface 127) with the broadcast TV content 120 and the
server 128 through a broadcast network connection and an Internet
connection 123. The bridge 125 comprises a tuner 125A and optional
bridge application (not shown). The STB 122 comprises an interface
or plug-in 122D, controlling the renderer 122E, the DVR 122F and
possibly the tuner 125A, preferably through the bridge application.
The STB 122 further comprises a browser 122B controlling the
interface 122D, and in communication with local application 122C,
for example, to control the DVR 122F. The browser can receive input
from IO devices such as a keyboard and a mouse for interfacing with
the user.
[0075] A user can use the IO devices interfacing with the browser
122B to send navigating commands or requests 124A to the Internet
network and 124B to the on-line application 128A executing on
server 128. The commands typically include "click", e.g. selection
of commands or icons displayed of the on-line application displayed
on a display device. The commands can include alphanumeric
commands, e.g. a search string for a particular program. Receiving
the command 124B, the on-line application sends back information or
instructions (or representations of information and instructions),
optionally after consulting with a broadcast station.
Representation 129A is sent through the Internet arrives at browser
122B. Browser 122B digests the representation 129B and sends
appropriate commands to appropriate devices or applications. For
example, for an information representation, browser 122B routes the
representation to an IO device, such as the display for displaying
the information. For a recording representation, the browser 122b
routes the representation 129D to the local application 122C which
send controls commands 121D to the recording device DVR 122F. For a
tuning representation, the browser routes the representation 121A
to the tuner 125A, through the bridge 125 or a bridge application.
The browser can also route the representation 121B to the renderer
122E for rendering the content from the tuner.
[0076] In exemplary embodiments, the present invention discloses
systems and methods for navigating broadcast signals received
through a first network connection with the navigation control
shifted to an on-line application executed on a server, connected
through a second network connection. The on-line application is
preferably connected to a browser residing in a PC or STB with
hardware and operating system-specific plug-ins, which can
communicate with the peripheral drivers such as the tuner, the
remote control, the display or other devices; or performs the task
of securely rendering (protected player) and recording (DVR).
Browsing the broadcast content, the broadcast schedules, the
detailed information regarding a specific program, or any other
information can be performed using the on-line application, which
can be any application on the Internet, for example, a search
engine for locating the play time of a movie or for locating a
similar preference, or a website of the service provider.
[0077] In exemplary embodiments, the present invention discloses
systems and methods for navigating broadcast signals where the
control is shifted to an on-line application. With the on-line
application residing in a server, connected to the browser through
an Internet connection, the platform and the programming can be
hardware and operating system independent, for example, a same
on-line application can be used for a browser running on a PC or a
non-PC (wireless phone, TV, etc.). Programming can be simplified,
since coding can be accomplished using Internet programming (e.g.
Java), and not conventional programming languages. Different
hardware associated with different platforms can be accommodated
with hardware-specific plug-ins or drivers.
[0078] The present on-line application provides flexible and
re-configurable content services, which will need to be customized
once for each service provider, but will render consistently on a
variety of PC and non-PC client devices, for example, through a
generic browser and hardware and operating system-specific plug-in.
Using a platform-specific content browser and protected player, the
user can experience a fully customized, seamless set of content
services, without a single line of service-specific code on the PC
or MAC.
[0079] In exemplary embodiments, when a bridge device is capable of
supporting multiple security systems and protocols, the present
on-line application will select the best combination based on the
hardware and operating system capability of the STB or PC. For
example, the bridge may protect the content with DTCP as controlled
by DLNA when connected to a Mac while it can protect the content
with WMDRM as controlled by PBDA when connected to a Windows
PC.
[0080] The better processing capability of digital media is,
however, also one of the downsides of using digital media. For
example, digital media, or more precisely digital data associated
with digital media, can be reproduced indefinitely without any loss
of quality, often with no or very little cost. Furthermore, it can
be easily altered or modified or copied in part or in whole without
any accountability. This has been a hindrance to wide-scale
adoption of digital media in many potential application areas. This
is especially true for copyrighted media, or media that otherwise
need to be protected for transmission, access, or reproduction. In
many cases, the user needs special rights or permissions in order
to be able to perform certain tasks or operations associated with a
digital media. This is often referred as digital rights. The term
digital rights sometimes refers to legal rights associated with the
digital media. It sometimes refers to technical rights or
capabilities, and it may not necessarily coincide with the rights'
holder's legal rights.
[0081] A digital rights management (DRM) system manages digital
rights and also rights of other types of media. Many digital media
publishers and vendors use DRM systems to protect copyrighted or
otherwise access-controlled materials. Typical DRM systems use
various technical measures to identify, describe, analyze, valuate,
trade, monitor, and track digital rights. For example, DRM systems
often use copy protection measures to control and/or restrict the
use and access of digital media content. In the commercial context,
DRM provides a method to control any duplication and dissemination
of digital media so that appropriate fees can be collected, for
example, for each copy or for each performance of the media
content.
[0082] A typical DRM system uses encryption and decryption software
for this purpose along with other software or hardware based
security measures. For example, DVD movies are encrypted, or
scrambled, using Content Scrambling System (CSS) by DVD Forum. The
data on the DVD is encrypted, in addition to being compressed or
encoded in MPEG-2 format, and it may only be decrypted and viewed
using one or more valid decryption keys. In a typical DRM scheme, a
DRM server wraps the digital content through encryption according
to applicable policies.
[0083] Once the digital media is delivered, a DRM client unwraps
the content and makes it accessible to the user in accordance with
his or her rights. DRM clients may include desktop PCs, handhold
devices, set-top boxes, mobile phones and other portable devices as
well as other dedicated digital media players (e.g., for music,
movies, etc.) and television and radio sets. The digital rights are
typically distributed to clients separately from the wrapped media
content. They can be distributed at the time of the content
distribution, or they can be dynamically accessed later when
needed, for example, at the time of storage or playback.
[0084] In the cable industry, and in other related industries such
as satellite broadcasting, media is protected by conditional access
(CA) systems. CA refers to a technique for limiting the access of
protected content to authorized users. In a typical CA system such
as those used in the cable television industry, the scrambled media
content is delivered along with a decryption key called a control
word (CW). The control word is embedded in an encrypted message
called ECM (entitlement control message), which can be decrypted
using another key called a service key (SK). The service key is
delivered to the user in a different message called ECM
(entitlement management message), and it may be unlocked using a
user-specific decryption key, or user key (UK), which is typically
associated with a client device, either at hardware or firmware
level, such as a "smartcard". The lifetime of each key varies
depending on the purpose, and it varies from application to
application. Typically, the lifetime of CW is much shorter (on the
order of 0.1 second for live video stream) than that of SK, which
is, for example, on the order of a month or so for a subscription
channel in the cable television. SK and CW can also be associated
with a particular media, for example, a movie title for
pay-per-view. The UK is usually permanent, but can be replaced by
providing a new smartcard to the user. Typical CA systems also have
the ability to "revoke" UKs from unauthorized devices. It should be
noted that a CW is not generally user specific. Using the
(subscriber-specific) SK, the system can securely broadcast other
common information, such as the CWs or the media content, to
subscribers simultaneously without having to broadcast a different
program for each of the subscribers.
[0085] The digital media content (e.g., video and audio signals) of
one program, typically in the MPEG-2 or H264 format in the case of
cable and satellite television, is sometimes multiplexed together
with those of other programs for transmission so that multiple
programs appear to be transmitted simultaneously. A CA system
scrambles the digital form of programs and transmits the
entitlement control messages and the entitlement management
messages with the digital form of programs for broadcast either
within the multiplex (e.g. for satellite) or through an out-of-band
channel (e.g., for cable).
[0086] Content encryption is typically done using symmetric key
cryptography, while key encryption is typically done using public
key/private key cryptography. In symmetric key cryptography, the
same or essentially equivalent keys are used to both encrypt and
decrypt the data. In the asymmetric or public key cryptography,
different but related keys are used to encrypt and decrypt the
data. Public keys may be derived from the corresponding private
keys in certain cryptographic schemes, but not vice versa. In
general, encryption/decryption schemes based on symmetric key
cryptography are less expensive than those using asymmetric key
cryptography in terms of computational requirements.
[0087] Typically, a client device such as a set-top box (STB) at
the receiving end descrambles the data stream and decodes the
MPEG-2 data for viewing. A tuner portion of the STB receives the
incoming signal, demodulates it and reconstitutes the transport
stream, which contains multiple packets of information. The set-top
box can de-multiplex the entitlement management messages and
entitlement control messages and the media content. The data (e.g.,
service key and control word) contained in the entitlement
management message and entitlement control message are used to
descramble the encrypted programming content. The set-top box then
decodes the MPEG-2 data and renders the content for viewing.
[0088] Some DRM systems can generate a short-lived license with
limited rights at capture time, with the option to upgrade to a
permanent license with more rights later. In this mode, ready
access to CA servers may be required to revisit the original
instruction that led to the original DRM license.
[0089] FIG. 14 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of
protected content using the present on-line application. Broadcast
signals 110, including live and PPV TV content, are sent to bridge
115 through the tuner 115B and an exemplary CA/DRM protection
device 115C which acts as the bridge between a first DRM domain
provided by the cable or satellite TV provider and a second DRM
domain. The signals then pass to the renderer 112C of the PC or MAC
or STB 112 before reaching the display 116. Interface control 117
can be included to protect the content when passing between the
bridge 115 and the STB 112. Content navigating is accomplished by
the on-line application 118A executing in a server 118, through the
Internet connection 113. The on-line application 118 can host the
pay TV service application such as the guide application, PPV
application or VOD application and can host other services for TV
content or other content such as web pages, etc. Content of VOD
118B can be controlled and sent from the server 118 through the
Internet connection 113 to the renderer 112C, preferably a
protected player renderer for security reason, and to the display
116. Pay TV content 110, such as live or PPV, can be controlled and
sent from the broadcast signal to the tuner and accessed by the
CA/DRM access device 115C. Bridge application 115A can provide
access control features that facilitate service access for PPV,
Switched Digital (SD) and VOD applications. Browser 112A
communicates with on-line application 118A, and also with bridge
application 115A and local application 112B, for example, to
control a DVR device for recording protected content.
[0090] Secured or conditional access can be in various formats. For
example, certain related CA servers may be used for various DRM
purposes such as authenticating clients. DRM systems may also
manage the digital rights associated with digital media through
other methods. The CA server typically resides across a network
from a client device, such as cable network, satellite network,
wireless phone network, or the Internet. When a digital media is
delivered to the client, the client first needs to get proper
permission or entitlement before it can play or display the
delivered content. In typical real-time digital media delivery
systems such as cable television, the required ECMs are
simultaneously delivered along with the digital media content. The
CA server can be responsible for various CA-related tasks and it
provides necessary support to the authenticated client for
accessing digital media content which the client is entitled to.
The client can play the media in real time and/or store it for
later viewing. The figure shows a storage unit 112D within the DRM
realm associated with the client, which DRM realm is the second DRM
domain provided by the CA/DRM protection device 115C. The storage
unit 112D may be a part of the client device STB 112. The digital
media is typically stored in the storage unit in an
encrypted/scrambled form, or in an otherwise protected form. In
order for a client device to have access to the content of the
stored media, it needs to have proper permission, which is provided
by the DRM system in case the client is legitimately entitled to
certain operations (e.g. viewing) on the digital media.
[0091] In exemplary embodiments, all or portions of the access
application for each service provider of broadcast TV can be hosted
on an on-line server. The other portions can be hosted on the
access interface (such as the bridge), or the rendering device
(such as the PC, thin client, TV, wireless phone, etc.). Further,
the on-line application can contain multiple elements that can
point to any application portions and content items on any
combination of platforms. Further information about bridges between
DRM domains is described in U.S. application Ser. No. 11/446,427,
filed Jun. 2, 2006 and U.S. application Ser. No. 11/823,194, filed
Jun. 26, 2007, and both of these application are incorporated
herein by reference.
[0092] In an embodiment, the service provider can employ the same
pay TV service access applications (such as VOD, PPV, or Guide)
regardless of interactive client device (such as Windows, or MAC).
The home page of the service is platform-independent and hosts the
high level service access session management (such as the VOD, PPV
and Guide applications) using standard web protocols.
[0093] In another embodiment, the service provider can employ a
unique guide and Switched Digital (SD)/VOD application and a
specific choice of DRM for access of its services on a PC or other
client system such as the system 112. For example, the home page of
the service, the PPV application, and the customized guide can be
hosted on-line. Alternatively, live and SD/VOD content is sourced
from the access interface, and a generic DVR application and
content and standards-based protected player are hosted on the PC
or other client system such as the system 112.
[0094] FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary on-line server 128,
comprising an on-line application 121 with access to pay TV content
125 such as VOD, PPV or live TV content. The server 128 may be any
one of the servers described herein which hosts an on-line
application such as the on-line application 128A or 118A. In
exemplary embodiments, certain TV content originates from the
Internet and thus can be under control of an Internet server such
as the on-line server 128. The on-line application 121 can include
various TV services such as a guide application proving TV guide to
the client, a VOD application or a PPV application. Other
applications might also be included. These applications may be
implemented as software which executes on the on-line server
128.
[0095] FIGS. 16-18 illustrate various navigation controls according
to embodiments of the present invention. These navigation controls
are typically presented on a display as a user interface for the
user/view of the display, such as the displays 116, 126, 106, etc.
in the embodiments described herein. FIG. 16 illustrates a display
136 showing a broadcast TV content 131, tuned to a desired channel
from the broadcast signals. The user interface of the on-line
application 132 can represent a main feature, including guide, PPV
and VOD applications. A user interface of a bridge application 134
and a user interface of a local application 133 (such as a DVR
controller for the player 112C, for example) are also presented on
the display 136.
[0096] FIG. 17 illustrates a display 146 where the local
application 143 may be the main control, with the broadcast TV
content 141, the bridge application 144 and the on-line application
142 being secondary controls. FIG. 18 illustrates a simplified
display 156 where only the user interface of the on-line
application 152 is shown with the broadcast TV content 151. This
display can be used when other applications are not needed, or when
there is no bridge or local application, for example, when the
computer is in roaming mode, away from the local STB.
[0097] In certain exemplary embodiments, the present on-line
application provides an on-line advertisement management which
comprises targeted advertisements determined through the user's
interactive channel surfing and programming selection. The on-line
application can comprise an on-line TV search engine and/or channel
or program or movie guide which can facilitate the navigation of TV
content. The on-line application can maintain an advertising
profile for each viewer, which is determined in part by recording
data about the navigating (e.g. channel surfing and program
selection) of the content of the broadcast signals, and by
recording a plurality of selections of the viewer transmitted to
the on-line application.
[0098] Targeted advertising sends selected advertisements to
targeted individuals with the selected advertisements chosen based
on the profile of the targeted individuals. Targeted advertising
can be more effective with selected individuals receiving the
advertisements rather than indiscriminately broadcasting the
advertisements to all clients. Targeted advertising historically
has been based on geographic areas and directed to selected
demographic sectors of the population.
[0099] The present advertisement management provides a methodology
for sampling television-viewing habits of the viewers by
collecting, assembling and maintaining an advertising profile based
on the navigation and selections of broadcast signals. The
advertising profile gives valuable information about the television
viewing habits of a family of viewers, including the exact address
and household details. The accuracy of the present advertising
profile is much improved over the general mathematical model which
only explains the general behavioral patterns of the population in
television viewing.
[0100] The present advertising profile can accurately and
automatically determine the personal preferences of a viewer, and
thus advertisements based on profile advertising can be presented
to the viewer with high degree of match for the personal TV viewing
environment.
[0101] The on-line application first determines an advertisement
profile for the user of the browser, and then substitutes or causes
the substitution of the incoming advertising from the broadcast
signals with advertisements selected based on the advertising
profile. Alternatively, the client receives the broadcast signals
from the network, and identifies the incoming advertising. For
example, the Bridge can tag incoming advertising in real time by ad
slot indexing. Based on the advertising profile, the profile
advertisements are selected to substitute for the incoming
advertising. For example, the PC or DVR Advertising Insertion
Application substitutes the advertisements.
[0102] The profile advertisements can be recorded to a DVR (Digital
Video Recorder) through the on-line application. For example, a
Bridge Advertising Capture Application can capture advertisements,
and cause the PC or the DVR to record them. Alternatively, the
Advertisement Management Application can push advertisements to DVR
via the Internet.
[0103] FIG. 19 illustrates the various processes of advertisements
captured to a DVR. The client receives broadcast signals 190
through a cable or satellite network 191, through a PC or STB 192
to the display 196. The PC or STB 192 communicates with an on-line
application executing on a server 198 through a second network
connection such as the Internet 193. The Advertising Management
application 198B executing on the server 198 receives advertising
content 198A from the Internet network or advertising content 190A
from the broadcast signals 190, and transmits to the browser 192A
through the Internet connection 193. Advertising contents 198A and
190A are selected based on advertising profile of the users
determined from selections made by the users as they navigate
through content presented by the on-line application. The browser
192A then provides the advertising contents to the Advertisement
Capture Application 192D, which then causes the DVR to record the
advertisements. Alternatively, advertising content 190A can be sent
through the cable or satellite network 191, through the tuner 192B
to the Advertisement Capture Application 192D. The advertising
content 190A can also be rendered through the renderer 192C before
reaching the Advertisement Capture Application 192D, which then
causes the DVR to record the advertisements. The Advertisement
Capture Application 192D can reside in a local application in the
STB, or can be a bridge application in a bridge section.
[0104] The advertisement substitution can occur with the recorded
advertisements, or can be provided directly from the on-line
application pushing substituted advertisements through the Internet
connection. An on-line Advertisement Management Application can
instruct the Advertising Capture and Advertising Insertion
applications on the capturing and insertion of profile
advertisements onto the broadcast stream. The advertising insertion
can happen either at capture, at playback, or at rendering
time.
[0105] FIG. 20 illustrates an advertising substitution with the
replacement advertisements retrieved from DVR. The client receives
broadcast signals 200 through a cable or satellite network 201,
through a PC or STB 202 to the display 206 through the tuner 202B
and the renderer 202C. The PC or STB 202 communicates with an
on-line application executing on a server 208 through a second
network connection such as the Internet 203. An Advertising Tagging
Application 202D tags incoming advertising in real time, for
example through advertising slot indexing. An Advertising Insertion
Application 202E substitutes advertisements at various stages of
renderer 202C, either before, during or after. The substituted
advertisements are retrieved from the Advertising Content stored in
the DVR 202F. The broadcast content with the substituted
advertisements can be sent to the display 206, or to be recorded to
a DVR 202G for later viewing.
[0106] FIG. 21 illustrates an advertising substitution with the
replacement advertisements pushed through the Internet by the
on-line application. The client receives broadcast signals 210
through a cable or satellite network 211, through a PC or STB 212
to the display 216 through the tuner 212B and the renderer 212C.
The PC or STB 212 communicates with an on-line application
executing on a server 218 through a second network connection such
as the Internet 213. An Advertising Tagging Application 212D tags
incoming advertising in real time, for example through advertising
slot indexing. An Advertising Insertion Application 212E
substitutes advertisements at various stages of renderer 212C,
either before, during or after. The substituted advertisements are
retrieved from the browser 212A, which are either the Advertising
Content 210A from the broadcast signals 210, or the advertising
content 218A from the Internet network. Advertisement Management
218B can push the advertising contents 210A or 218A through the
Internet 213 to the browser 212A to provide to the Advertising
Insertion Application 212E. The broadcast content with the
substituted advertisements can be sent to the display 216, or to be
recorded to a DVR 212G for later viewing.
[0107] FIG. 22 illustrates an exemplary flowchart for advertising
management according to certain embodiments of the present
invention. Operation 220 determines an advertising profile for the
user of the browser. The advertising profile is determined in part
from the data collected as a user uses the on-line application to
navigate the content of the broadcast signals recorded while the
user is using the on-line application for surfing the broadcast
signals, and otherwise using the on-line application. The
advertising profile is also determined from the history of
selections from the users of the household, which are transmitted
by the browser to the on-line application. The advertising profile
can also be determined through the demographic and geographic data
of the user in establishing the Internet connection. Operation 221
determines the advertisements to be presented to the user, for
substituting the incoming advertising. The substituted
advertisements are selected based on the advertising profile, to
ensure the right audience. The content of the substituted
advertisements can be from the Internet (operation 221A), or from
broadcast signals (operation 221B). Operation 222 sends the
substituted advertisements. e.g. the advertisements based on the
advertising profile, to the user. The substituted advertisements
can be sent through broadcast network (operation 222A), or through
Internet network (operation 222B). Operation 224 records the
profile advertisements for later use. Operation 225 substitutes
incoming advertising from broadcast signals with the profile
advertisements. The profile advertisements can be sent from the
Internet (operation 224A), from broadcast network (operation 224B),
or from recording (operation 224C).
[0108] FIG. 23 illustrates another exemplary flowchart for
advertising management according to certain embodiments of the
present invention. Operation 230 tags the incoming advertising from
the broadcast signals. Operation 231 reads the incoming advertising
tags, for example, for determining the slot or the location of the
advertisements. The tags may, for example, indicate the certain ads
are for the general public and that other ads are not and can be
substituted with ads based on the profile of the user. Operation
232 gets the substituted advertisements which are the
advertisements selected based on the advertising profile of the
user. The profile advertising can be retrieved from Internet
network (operation 232A) or from recording (operation 232B).
Operation 233 substitutes incoming advertising from broadcast
signals with the profile advertisements. The profile advertisements
can be sent from the Internet (operation 233A), from broadcast
network (operation 233B), or from recording (operation 233C).
[0109] FIG. 24 illustrates another embodiment of advertising
management according to certain embodiments of the present
invention. The client receives broadcast signals 240 through a
cable or satellite network 241, through a bridge 245 (passing
through tuner 245B and CA/DRM protection 245C), to an interface
247, then to a PC or STB 242 (through the renderer 242C) and to the
display 246. The PC or STB 242 communicates with an on-line
application executing on a server 248 through a second network
connection such as the Internet 243. The client can receive pay TV
content such as VOD TV content 248D from the server across the
Internet network. The Advertising Capture Application 245A within
the Bridge 245 can capture the incoming advertising, sent globally
from the broadcast signals 240, including live and advertising
content. An Advertising Insertion Application 242B can substitute
the incoming advertising with pre-recorded advertisements,
preferably from the advertising content of the DVR 242D. The
Advertising Insertion Application 242B can also substitute the
incoming advertising with advertisements sent from the on-line
application 248A. The substituted advertising content is selected
based on an advertising profile of the user, and can be determined
through a TV search engine 248C, an Advertising Management
Application 248B, or an on-line application 248A from the server
248. Targeted advertising is then shown in the display 246.
[0110] FIG. 25 illustrates another embodiment of advertising
management according to certain embodiments of the present
invention. The PC or STB client receives broadcast signals 250
through a cable or satellite network 251, through a bridge 255
(passing through tuner 255B and CA/DRM protection 255C), to an
interface 257, then to a PC or STB 252 (through a Filter
Application 252C and the renderer 252D) and to the display 256. The
PC or STB 252 communicates with an on-line application executing on
a server 258 through a second network connection such as the
Internet 253. The client can receive pay TV content such as VOD TV
content 258B from the server across the Internet network. The
Filter Application 252C can read the content tags from the Bridge
Application 255A, which has the capability to tag content including
advertisements. The Filter Application may also track tuning
commands from the PC to the bridge, and then substitute live
advertisements with recorded profile-based advertisements, leaving
the PC and the local application 252B unmodified. The Bridge
Application and/or the Filter Application can be controlled by the
on-line Application 258A. Targeted advertising is then shown in the
display 256.
[0111] FIG. 26 illustrates an exemplary on-line server 268 (which
represents any one of the servers which include Ad management
applications, such as server 24B), comprising an on-line
application 261 with access to pay TV content 265 such as VOD, PPV
or live TV content, preferably through the appropriate applications
such as guide/VOD/PPV applications 262. An Advertisement Management
Application 263 can be presented and controlled by the on-line
application, together with a TV search engine 264 for locating
information.
[0112] FIG. 27 illustrates a display 276 (which may represent any
one of displays 196, 206, 216, 246, and 256) showing TV content
273, tuned to a desired channel from the broadcast signals,
together with a guide application 271. Targeted advertisements 272
has substituted incoming advertising within the TV content 273.
[0113] In certain exemplary embodiments, the present on-line
application provides roaming capability for navigating broadcast
signals from a roaming client system which is associated with a
first client system which also can be connected to the server. With
the on-line application residing remotely, such as in a server
connected to the Internet, a roaming computer or other consumer
electronic device can be linked to the Internet and navigate the
on-line application using the browser of the roaming computer or
other consumer electronic device. Seamless operations can be
achieved with pertinent data parameters stored in the server. The
roaming computer or other consumer electronic device can be linked
to the first client system by a local network, such as in a
location across the room of the television display. The roaming
computer can be linked to the first client system across town, or
across country, and still be connected and controlling the
navigating broadcast signals. The connection can be wired or
wireless connection. Furthermore, the on-line application can
accommodate effective roaming for protective TV content if portions
of the access application are hosted on-line.
[0114] With the Internet connection with the on-line application, a
roaming computer or other consumer electronic device can navigate
the broadcast signals as effective as from the local PC or STB,
such as the system 242 or the system 122, which acts as a first
client system. The roaming capability allows navigating of the
broadcast signals such as searching for content or schedule of
desired programs as if the roaming computer or device were the
first client system. Further, the roaming capability can allow
remote operation of the first client system, such as recording a
program or schedule a recording session to the local DVR.
[0115] In exemplary embodiments, broadcast signals can be
retransmitted from the client site (e.g. the first client system)
to the roaming computer or other consumer electronic device, in
response to the commands from the roaming computer or other
consumer electronic device. The broadcast signals can be sent
directly to the roaming computer or other consumer electronic
device through a cable or the Internet or a separate network such
as a local network. The broadcast signals are preferably sent
through the Internet, using the same connection as the navigating
commands. The broadcast signals can be sent after being rendered,
thus directly to the remote display. The broadcast signals can be
sent before being rendered, thus using the renderer of the roaming
computer or other consumer electronic device for rendering. The
broadcast signals can be sent to the roaming computer or other
consumer electronic device for viewing or for recording.
Alternatively, the roaming computer or other consumer electronic
device can be connected to another source of broadcast signals,
such as another cable or satellite network connection. Thus a
roaming computer or other consumer electronic device can be
connected to an Internet and a broadcast networks, and navigating
the broadcast signals with the on-line Internet application as if
it were the first client system.
[0116] In exemplary embodiments, the content of the broadcast
signals are protected, for example, by a DRM or CA protection. The
access application can be fully or partly hosted on the on-line
server, thus the roaming computer or other consumer electronic
device can navigate the broadcast signals after validating with the
on-line access application.
[0117] FIG. 28 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a roaming
configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The local or first client system receives broadcast signals 280
through a cable or satellite network 281, to a PC or STB or other
system 282 (through tuner 282B and renderer 282C) and to the
display 286, displaying broadcast TV content 286A and optional
on-line application screen 286B. The PC or STB 282, which is the
first client system, communicates with an on-line application 288A
executing on a server 288 by a browser 282A through a second
network connection such as the Internet 283. A roaming PC or other
consumer electronic device 289 can be connected to the Internet
network 283 and communicates with the on-line application 288A
through a browser 289A of the roaming computer or other consumer
electronic device 289. After verification by the server that PC 282
and PC 289 belong to same domain, live and recorded content of PC
282 can be displayed on the display 284 of the remote computer,
including broadcast TV content 284A and optional on-line
application screen 284B through optional renderer 289C. The roaming
computer or other consumer electronic device 289 can, with access
to the on-line application, virtually browse recorded content of PC
282, and therefore accessing the live and recorded broadcast
signals is not limited to a home which is typically where the first
client system will be situated.
[0118] The configuration shown discloses an Internet connection for
the roaming computer or other consumer electronic device, but in
general, any other network connection is possible, as long as the
roaming computer or other consumer electronic device can
communicate with the on-line application.
[0119] The control path for the roaming system can be accomplished
with an Internet network connection. For the data path, the
connection can be through a local network, the Internet network, or
a separate cable/satellite network. FIG. 29 illustrates various
data paths for various roaming configurations. Data path 293
provides TV content from tuner 282B of the client to the renderer
289C of the remote computer, redirecting the TV content to the
remote computer through a local connection, such as direct wiring
or a local network (such as within a home). An alternative data
path 292 can capture rendered content, further encode it according
to the appropriate channel requirements, and protect it according
to the applicable rules for transmission via Internet at 295. Data
paths 294 provides TV content from the tuner 282B of the client to
the Internet network, and redirect 296 from the Internet to the
renderer 289C of the remote computer. Alternatively, the remote
computer can be connected to broadcast signals 290 through a cable
or satellite network 291 through a connection 297. The roaming
computer or other consumer electronic device might include a tuner
for tuning the broadcast signals.
[0120] FIG. 30 illustrates an exemplary flowchart for a roaming
configuration according to the present invention. Operation 300
provides that a client system is receiving broadcast signals
through a network connection, such as a cable or satellite network.
The client system further comprises a client browser which is
connected to an on-line application executing on a server, through
a second network connection, for navigating the broadcast signals.
Operation 301 connects a remote browser (on for example a roaming
system such as a roaming computer or other consumer electronic
device) to the on-line application through the second network
connection. The remote browser may be also referred to as a roaming
browser. The remote browser can optionally communicate with the
client system, such as the client browser, preferably through the
second network connection (operation 301A). Operation 302 navigates
the content of the broadcast live and recorded signals through the
remote browser using the on-line application. Upon validation by
the on-line application that the remote and client devices belongs
to the same home domain, the content available to the first client
system can be made available to the roaming system, either through
the second network connection, or through another network
connection for broadcast signals (operation 302A). Operation 303
renders a desired content to a desired format onto the remote
system. The desired content is selected from the navigating process
which can be performed on the roaming system. The desired content
can be from the broadcast signals or from the server. Operation 304
provides optional content protection of the desired content through
a digital right management system. In this context the purpose of
the digital rights management system is to provide granular and
deterministic access rules for consumption of the content in the
home domain. The definition of the scope of the home domain is
managed by the on-line application. The server can aggregate the
appropriate content keys and lights so that they can be
redistributed to any remote or roaming client system on-demand
after validation.
[0121] FIG. 31 illustrates another exemplary flowchart for a
roaming configuration according to the present invention. Operation
310 receives requests from a remote browser of a client system at
an on-line application. The on-line application executes on a
server, connected to the remote browser through a second network
connection such as the Internet. The client system is already
connected to a source of broadcast signals through a first network
connection such as cable or satellite (operation 310A). The client
system further provides navigation of the content of the broadcast
signals through the second network connection by the on-line
application (operation 310B). Operation 311 ensures that the
on-line application securely provides to the remote PC the same
live and recorded content for navigation, as the one available on
the original PC. Operation 312 transmits data from the on-line
application at the server to the remote browser. The data includes
representation of an instruction to render a desired content to the
remote system. The content transmitted to the remote system can be
through the second network connection, already copied on the remote
control but not enabled until the on-line application is called, or
through an additional connection with the broadcast signals
(operation 313).
* * * * *